Assistant Director

Svdpnky; Richmond Heights (OH); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Company Matching Contribution

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Early Steps Learning Center is seeking an Assistant Director to support daily operations, team leadership, and regulatory compliance at our Richmond Heights and Wickliffe locations. The role emphasizes staff development, curriculum consistency, and high-quality care for infants through school age.

The position offers a starting salary based on experience, with benefits including medical insurance, retirement matching, and PTO.

Qualifications

• Leadership and communication skills for managing classrooms and staff.
• Knowledge of Ohio licensing requirements (DCY) and SUTQ standards.
• Experience supervising or leading teams in a licensed childcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Center Director with daily operation and administration of the childcare center.
• Support classroom operations and ensure staffing and supervision.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing environment and ensure quality standards are followed.
• Serve as a leadership resource for teachers and staff; provide coverage to maintain staffing ratios.
• Support staff training, onboarding, and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Prioritization

CPR & First Aid

DCY licensing knowledge

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Assistan t Director - Childcare & Early Learning Center

Early Steps Learning Center Locations: Richmond Heights & Wickliffe, Ohio Job Type: Full-Time Pay: Starting salary $ 45,000 based on experience and credentials Schedule: Monday-Friday | No Weekend Work

Join the Early Steps Learning Center Leadership Team

Early Steps Learning Center is seeking a dedicated, organized, and experienced Assistant Director to join our leadership team and support the daily operations of our childcare and early learning programs in Richmond Heights and Wickliffe, Ohio .

Early Steps is an early education organization committed to providing children with a safe, secure, caring, and stimulating environment where they can develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Our curriculum-based programs serve children from infancy through school age and incorporate developmentally appropriate learning , play, enrichment, and kindergarten readiness. ( Early Steps Learning Center )

The Assistant Director will work closely with the Center Director to provide strong leadership, support teachers and classroom teams, maintain compliance, assist with enrollment and family communication, and help ensure a high-quality experience for children and families.

Why Join Early Steps?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Lead Teacher, childcare supervisor, or early childhood professional who is ready to take the next step in their career.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Grow your leadership and early childhood management skills.
• Work alongside an experienced childcare leadership team.
• Make a meaningful impact on children, families, and educators.
• Help create a positive and nurturing workplace for teachers and staff.
• Work in a center that values quality education, safety, family partnerships, and professional growth.

Position Responsibilities

Childcare Center Operations

Assist the Center Director with the daily operation and administration of the childcare center.

Support classroom operations and ensure appropriate staffing and supervision.

Help maintain a safe, secure nurturing, and engaging environment for children.

Ensure center policies, procedures, and quality standards are consistently followed.

Serve as a leadership resource for teachers and staff throughout the day.

Step into classrooms and provide coverage as needed to maintain appropriate staffing ratios.

Support teachers with classroom management, curriculum implementation, and child development practices.

Help monitor classroom environments and provide feedback and encouragement to teaching staff.

Assist with staff meetings, training, onboarding, and professional development.

Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and positive staff relationships.

Help foster a workplace culture where teachers feel supported and valued.

Early Childhood Education & Curriculum

Support implementation of curriculum-based programs that promote children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

Support teachers in creating engaging classroom environments that meet the developmental needs of children.

Assist with kindergarten readiness and enrichment programming.

Help ensure curriculum activities and classroom practices are aligned with center expectations and Ohio early childhood standards.

Licensing, Compliance & Documentation

Assist the Center Director in maintaining compliance with Department of Children and Youth (DCY) licensing requirements .

Support compliance with Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) standards and center policies.

Maintain accurate student and staff records.

Monitor attendance, incident reports, health documentation, and other required records.

Assist with food program and other administrative documentation.

Support the Center Director with special projects and other responsibilities necessary for successful center operations.

Qualifications

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education , Child Development, Education, or a related field preferred .

Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting .

Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

Knowledge of DCY licensing requirements and Ohio Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) preferred.

CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced childcare environment.

Must meet applicable Ohio childcare health and background-check requirements.

Early Steps Learning Center is committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees.

Competitive salary starting at $45,000 per year based on experience and credentials

• Medical Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Company Matching Contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays

About Early Steps Learning Center

Early Steps Learning Center is a Christian-based early childhood education and childcare organization serving families in Richmond Heights, Wickliffe, and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities since 2003 .

Our programs serve children from 6 weeks through school age , including infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-kindergarten/kindergarten enrichment, before-and-after-school care, and summer programming. ( Early Steps Learning Center )

We believe childcare should be more than a safe place for children to spend the day. Our goal is to provide an environment where children can learn, grow, explore, develop confidence, and thrive while partnering with families throughout their child's early years. Our philosophy emphasizes quality educators, safety and security, a home-like environment, curriculum-based learning, and learning through play. ( Early Steps Learning Center )

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Childcare Career?

Early Steps Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.